The Evolving Role of the Silent Protagonist in Modern RPGs: A Conversation Between Dragon Quest and Metaphor: ReFantazio Creators

Veteran RPG developers Yuji Horii (Dragon Quest) and Katsura Hashino (Metaphor: ReFantazio) recently discussed the challenges of utilizing silent protagonists in today's gaming landscape, as detailed in the "Metaphor: ReFantazio Atlas Brand 35th Anniversary Edition" booklet. Their conversation touched upon the impact of increasingly realistic graphics on established game design conventions.

Dragon Quest's Silent Protagonist: A Legacy Tested by Technological Advancements

Horii, describing the Dragon Quest protagonist as a "symbolic protagonist," highlighted the series' reliance on silent leads to enhance player immersion. This approach allows players to project their feelings onto the character, fostering a stronger connection to the game world. The effectiveness of this design, however, is directly linked to the game's visual fidelity.

In the NES era, the limitations of graphics made silent protagonists a practical choice. However, Horii jokingly admitted that a static, expressionless character in today's high-definition games might appear "like an idiot." He emphasized the importance of dialogue in Dragon Quest's storytelling, noting that the narrative unfolds primarily through conversations with NPCs, rather than extensive narration.

Horii acknowledged the evolving challenges of maintaining this design philosophy. While the simplistic graphics of earlier games allowed players to fill the narrative gaps, the increasing realism of modern games makes a non-reactive protagonist seem increasingly incongruous. He concluded that depicting this type of protagonist in increasingly realistic games will present ongoing challenges.

A Different Approach: Metaphor: ReFantazio and the Voiced Protagonist

In contrast to Dragon Quest's continued use of silent protagonists, many modern RPGs, including Atlus' Persona series, feature fully voiced protagonists. Hashino's upcoming title, Metaphor: ReFantazio, will also feature a fully voiced protagonist.

Despite the challenges, Hashino praised Horii's design choices, emphasizing the emotional resonance achieved through Dragon Quest's focus on the player's perspective. He noted that even interactions with seemingly minor NPCs are carefully crafted to evoke specific emotional responses in the player, showcasing a player-centric design philosophy.